Apex, N.C. — The company behind a massive hazardous-waste explosion in Apex is trying to make it right for the thousands of people affected by the disaster.

A representative for Environmental Quality Industrial Services claims it has already paid about 400 residents who were forced to leave their homes on Oct. 5 between $60,000 to $70,000 to cover expenses for food and lodging.

To qualify, residents affected have to fill out the necessary paperwork and submit receipts. They receive an average of about $175. So far, EQ says, no one has been denied.

But some residents won't receive any payments.

"At that time, none of us thought about (saving our receipts)," said Apex resident Stephanie Coyle who lives near the EQ site. "We were just worried."

Some residents say everyone should be compensated, regardless of whether they have receipts.

"I don't see why you can't just give someone a standard per-diem reimbursement," said Apex resident David Coyle. "It's easy enough to prove that we live there and were evacuated.

A spokesperson for EQ says there is still time to file a reimbursement claim by calling 888-675-1680.